"Political Party w/ Adam Smith EP 18: Jeff Cox

The liberal, Bernie Sanders wing of the Democratic party has been asserting itself in local party elections across Florida, and in Pinellas County generating some ill will.

Progressive organizer Jeff Cox last week easily unseated Pinellas Vice Chairman Johnny Boykins, one of the few Black millennials visible and active with the local Democratic Executive Committee. Cox, a white millennial, discusses the controversy in the latest episode of Political Party with Adam Smith.

“I didn’t actually sleep the night of the election because I knew I was going to win. I had already counted the votes. And I knew it would  cause some pain and some hurt,” said Cox. “All I can say is I’m going to do the work. I will use all the skills I have to get out the vote and ensure there is better representation where possible.”

The Dec. 7 Pinellas party election saw Chairwoman Barbara Scott reelected, but multiple progressive candidates unseat established officers. It prompted some heated backlash.